Mounting means for transducers



Dec 2l, 1965 c. A. RICH, JR., ETAL 3,225,202

MOUNTING MEANS FOR TRANSDUCERS Filed May 26, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 21, 1965 C. A. RICH, JR., ETAL MOUNTING MEANS FOR TRANSDUCERS Filed May 26, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 :meadows:

,Jai

Jafar@ J1. Ioaof,

Hnwzqys n Cawes d1. IfeaazaL DeC- 21, 1965 c. A. RICH, JR., ETAL 3,225,202

MOUNTING MEANS FOR TANSDUCERS Dec. 21, 1965 c. A. RICH, JR., ETAL 3,225,202

MOUNTING MEANS FOR TRANSDUCERS Filed May 26, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Iaavenows; wie@ u.Rc, T Keraizelllmsmeaj Jafar@ @.Hazfoof, y M, m W '.Hfoe'ys United States Patent C) 3,225,202 MOUNTING MEANS FOR TRANSDUCERS Charles A. Rich, Jr., Southhoro, and Kenneth L. Klusmier and .lohn Adams Holbrook, Worcester, Mass., assignors to Morgan Construction Company, Worcester, Mass., a

corporation of Massachusetts Fiied May 26, 1964, Ser. No. 371,176 11 (Ilaims. (Cl. 250--83.3)

This invention relates generally to control apparatus and more particularly to a pivotally mounted portable means for positioning transducers adjacent to the pass line of a single strand merchant mill.

This is a continuation in part of our now abandoned copending application Serial No. 240,896, tiled November 29, 1962.

In a rolling mill, close control over the cross-sectional dimensions of the bar is essential to the eicient production of satisfactory on-gauge bar. Since rolling conditions such as bar and roll temperatures or the chemical analysis of the stock do not remain constant, their variations will sometimes cause corresponding oit-gauge variations in the cross-sectional dimensions of the bar. In order to compensate for these variations and maintain a satisfactory on-gauge product, roll adjustments must be made during the rolling operation.

This in turn has created a need for a quick and efficient method of measuring the cross-sectional dimensions of the moving rod.

At the present time, no wholly satisfactory method of gauging moving rod is available. Although transducers such as infrared micrometer gauges have been in use for several years, their performance has been seriously hampered by deficiencies such as an inability to provide adequate protection, to suitably align the gauges, and to quickly and efiiciently move the gauges to alternate locations along the pass line.

The satisfactory operation of the infared micrometer gauges depends to a great extent upon their proper positioning with respect to the pass line. They must be securely mounted and properly aimed and focused on the center of the pass line. In addition, they must be protected from the possibility of damage due to the creation of cobbles and from the heat given oi by the moving bar. Furthermore, since it is desirable to keep the space between roll housings at a minimum in order to avoid unnecessary elongation of the pass line, the infrared micrometer gauges should be suitably positioned in order to avoid congestion and interference with the adjustment or replacement of pass guides.

Accordingly, a general object of this invention is to provide a means for mounting transducers such as infrared micrometer gauges adjacent to the pass line in order to permit the accurate measurement of a plurality lof cross-sectional dimensions of moving bar in a single strand merchant mill.

Another object of this invention is to provide a means for the circumferential, pivotal, and radial adjustment f each individual transducer.

Another object of this invention is to provide a housing within which the transducers may be mounted in order to protect them from the possibility of damage due to the creation of cobbles.

Another object of this invention is to maintain a positive pressure and flow of clean cool air through the transducers in order to prevent the entrance of mill scale, water, steam and smoke which would be detrimental to the lenses.

Another object of this invention is to provide a means for pivotally displacing the housing containing the transducers from its position adjacent the pass line to a position away from the pass line.

3,225,202 Patented Dec. 21, 1965 ICC A further object of this invention is to provide a completely portable integral rod gauge measuring unit comprising a transducer housing in combination with means for its pivotal displacement, capable of being mounted at any selected position along the pass line.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent as the description proceeds with the aid of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. l is a view in side elevation of a pivotally mounted infrared micrometer gauge housing in position over the pass line of a single strand merchant mill.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. l;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6 6 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the use lof an infrared micrometer alignment bar and rod.

The description will hereinafter be presented in connection with a single strand merchant mill and the use of infrared micrometer gauges as measuring devices. It is to be understood, however, that these particular applications are intended only as illustrations and not in any way as limitations upon the eifective scope of the inventive concepts disclosed. More particularly, this invention is applicable to any process wherein product variables are to be continuously monitored. Moreover, it should be further understood that any type of transducer may be substituted in place of the infrared micrometer gauges hereinafter utilized as examples in describing the invention.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. l-3 wherein 2 generally indicates` the main base plate assembly, 4 the removably mounted rotary hydraulic actuator unit and 6 the attached transducer swing housing, hereinafter referred to for purposes of illustration as an infrared micrometer swing housing.

Main base plate assembly 2 is comprised of parallel longitudinal channel members 10 and 12 attached to lower plate 14 and supporting upper plate 16. Transverse inner bracing members 18 are positioned between channel members it) and 12 and are provided with centrally located circular apertures 2.0 through which electrical connecting cables (not shown) carrying signals from the micrometer gauge leads (not shown) to the automatic gauge control system may be passed. An inner panel 22 is provided with apertures 24 adapted to receive suitable means for quickly disconnecting the micrometer gauge leads from the connecting cables. Sliding cover 26 having handle 28 attached thereto is provided in order to protect these electrical cables and connections `from cooling water and scale during the rolling operation.

A means for pivotally displacing the infrared micrometer swing housing consisting of an integral rotary hydraulic actuator unit 4 is mounted on rectangular base 32. Base 32 is fixed to the upper plate 16 of main base plate assembly 2 by studs 34 extending through base 32 to receive keys 36.

The rotary hydraulic actuator unit will now be described. Supporting legs 38 and 40 are positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis of the pass line on base 32 and are strengthened by bracing members 42. Couplings 44 are xed to the inner surfaces of supporting legs 3S and 40 and contain splined shaft 46 on which hydraulic cylinder 48 is rotatably mounted. A hydraulic fluid tank Sil and hydraulic pump 52 driven by motor 53 are also located on base 32. When motor 53 is energized, hydraulic fluid is pumped by pump 52 from tank 56 through flow valves 54 and carried by flexible tubes 56 and S8 to the hydraulic cylinder 48. Since shaft 46 is splined to fixed couplings 44, it remains stationary and only the hydraulic cylinder 48 will rotate. T he direction of rotation of hydraulic cylinder 48 is governed by operation of flow valves 54 which can be set to alternately reverse the ow of hydraulic fluid in flexible tubes 56 and 58 and thereby reverse the direction of rotation of hydraulic cylinder 48.

Arms 60 and 62 are bolted to the rotatably mounted hydraulic cylinder 48 by a plurality of bolts shown typically at 64 and are attached to parallel extending arm members 66 and 68 at ange 70. Extending arm members 66 and 68 are in turn attached to the infrared micrometer swing housing 6.

Shock absorbers 72 and 74 are positioned on both the infrared micrometer swing housing and the rotary hydraulic actuator unit and act to cushion the infrared micrometer swing housing 6 as it reaches the extremities of allowable angular displacement about shaft 46. Thus it can be seen that the infrared micrometer swing housing may be angularly displaced away from the pass line about shaft 46 by simply setting flow valves 54 and energizing pump motor S3. In this manner, congestion in the area f the pass guides is avoided and the performance of any necessary adjustments by operating personnel is facilitated.

It should also be noted that the infrared micrometer swing housing 6 and the rotary hydraulic actuator unit 4 comprise a completely portable gauging unit capable of being used in conjunction with a plurality of main base plates 2 located at selected intervals along the pass line. In order to remove the entire gauging unit, the swing housing 6 is rst pivoted to a vertical position with respect to base 32. Locking pin 76, which is shown in its stored position in sleeve 78 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is then passed through matching apertures 80 and 82 in supporting legs 38 and 40 and arms 60 and 62. In this manner, the infrared micrometer gauge swing housing is locked in a vertical position. Accidental energizing of hydraulic pump motor 53 is prevented by safety cut-out switch 84 having an extending lever 85. Lever 85 is tripped by locking pin 76 as it is inserted in its locking position. An overhead crane can then be positioned `over the unit and cable hooks attached to eye bolts 86 located on the infrared micrometer swing housing and base 32. Keys 36 are then disengaged from studs 34, all electrical connections disconnected and the gauging unit comprising the combination of infrared micrometer swing housing 6 and rotary hydraulic actuator unit 4 lifted and transported to another main base plate 2 at some alternate point along the pass line. In this manner, the expense and necessity of several gauging units is avoided.

The infrared micrometer swing housing 6 is comprised of arched front and rear walls 88 and 90. The arched walls are attached to and spaced by a semicircular outer wall 92 and an inner wall 94 provided with centrally spaced longitudinal apertures 96. Because the radial dimension of rear wall 90 is greater than that of front wall 88, the curved inner wall 94 creates a semicircular conically shaped aperture 98 around the pass line when the housing is in its operating position. In this manner, the face Iof the inner wall 94 is shielded by leading edge 97 from the approaching rod and given `greater protection from damage due to the possible creation of a Cobble. The front wall 88 is provided with a series of trapezoidal apertures 108 over which are bolted access 4doors 101 of slightly larger dimension. For purposes of illustration, one access door has been partially cut away in FIG. 1.

The space between parallel extending arm members 66 and 68 is further enclosed by partition 102 and semicircular wall 92. Intermediate wall portions 104 and 106 are also positioned between extending arm members 66 and 68 to form a rectangular aperture over which filter 188 has been mounted. A suction fan 110 is mounted on shelf 112 and when energized, draws cooling air through filter 108, placing the air in compartment 114 under pressure. The outer circular wall 92 of the micrometer swing housing 6 adjacent to compartment 114 is provided with a series of apertures 116 to which are connected flexible hoses 118. The hoses 118 are in turn connected to the infrared micrometer gauges. In this manner, cooling air under a slight pressure is carried from compartment 114 and directed to each micrometer element in order to cool the micrometer gauges and prevent dust, water, steam and smoke from entering the front aperture of casing 134 and fogging the lens of the infrared micrometers 132.

The means for mounting an individual infrared micrometer gauge within the arched swing housing 6 will now be described. Equally spaced arcuate tracks 122 and 124 are attached to the inner surface of arched rear wall and provide bearing surfaces for the micrometer gauge back plate 126. Dowels 128 are forcefitted to back plate 126 and positioned to contact the inner edges of arcuate tracks 122 and 124. Thus it can be seen that when mounted, back plate 126 can be circumferentially displaced along the entire length of arcuate tracks 122 and 124. When a satisfactory position is reached with relation to the pass line, back plate 126 is firmly bolted to arched rear wall 98 by threading bolts 127 in two of a series of apertures 129.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, infrared micrometer 132 is contained within a tubular shaped casing 134 comprised of semicircular cover and rear pieces 136 and 138. In order to facilitate alignment of the two pieces, rear piece 138 is provided with pins 140 designed to seat themselves within matching apertures in the cover piece 136 when the two pieces are properly aligned. The casing pieces are then firmly bolted together around the infrared micrometer by thumb screws 142.

The method of attaching the casing 134 to the back plate 126 will now be described. In order to properly aim and focus the infrared micrometers on the pass line, further adjustments are usually necessary following the circumferential displacement of back plates 126. Consequently, provisions have been made for the radial and pivotal adjustment of casing 134 with respect to back plate 126.

Rear piece 138 is attached to back plate 126 at its lower extremity by bolt 144 in order to provide for pivotal adjustment about the longitudinal axis of bolt 144 and radial adjustment of the combination of casing and infrared micrometer with respect to the pass line. As can be seen from FIGURE 5, bolt 144 is passed through aperture 143 in lower depending portion 145 of rear piece 138 and threaded to nut 146 which is contained within an open face slot 148 in back plate 126.

FIG. 6 illustrates the means for securing the upper portion of rear piece 138 to back plate 126. As can be seen from FIGURES 4 and 6, back plate 126 is provided with a rectangular aperture 156 having step 158 located therein. A rectangular plate 160 containing a longitudinal slot 162 and having a lateral dimension smaller than that of rectangular aperture 156 is mounted within aperture 156 on step 158. Bolt 164 is passed through aperture 166 in rear piece 138 and rectangular aperture 156, and subsequently threaded to T-nut 168 which is seated within longitudinal slot 162.

Thus `it `can be seen that when bolts 144 and 164 are loosened, nuts 146 and 168 may be vertically displaced within slots 148 and 162 and the micrometer 132 and canister assembly 134 may be radially displaced with respect to the pass line, thereby enabling the infrared micrometer to be properly focused. The micrometer and casing assembly may also be pivoted about the longitudinal axis of bolt 144 since rectangular plate 160 can move laterally within rectangular aperture 156 on step 158 and bolt 164 and T-nut 168 can move vertically within slot 162. In this manner the micrometer can be properly aimed and focused on the center of the pass line and then firmly positioned by tightening bolts 144 and 164. A T-handle 170 is provided in order to facilitate the tightening of lower bolt 144.

In the operation of the rolling mill, it is often desirable to measure the cross-sectional dimensions of moving bar at different locations along the pass line. As previously stated, in order to avoid the expense and necessity of employing several gauging units, the combination of rotary hydraulic actuator unit 4 and infrared micrometer swing housing 6 has been adapted for use with a plurality of main base plates. Since the main base plates are relatively inexpensive to fabricate, they can be'positioned at numerous places along the pass line. If a change in location of the gauging unit is necessitated, it can be quickly disconnected from a base plate and carried to an alternate base plate located at a different position along the pass line. The initial adjustment of the infrared micrometers and the alignment of the swing housing with respect to the center of the pass line is accomplished through the use of alignment bar 172 shown attached to the infrared micrometer swing housing in FIG. 1. It should be understood that the alignment bar is only attached during the adjustment procedure and is removed prior to the commencement of rolling operations. The alignment bar 172 is comprised of longitudinal supporting member 174 attached to the infrared micrometer swing housing 6 by means of bolts 176. Bracket 178 is attached to longitudinal member 174 and supports a short tubular section 180 centrally positioned within the semicircular aperture 98 formed by the arched protective housing.

A length of wire (not shown) is then passed through tubular section 180 and held in tension between the roll stands along the longitudinal center of the pass` line. The longitudinal axis of short tubular section 180 is then made to coincide with the length of wire being held in tension and representing the center of the pass line by adjusting the length of shock absorber 72. The adjusting nut 182 (shown in FIG. 3) of shock absorber 72 is then tightened, resulting in the correct positioning of the infrared micrometer swing housing over the center of the pass line.

Following this procedure, each individual micrometer gauge must be focused and aimed at the center of the pass line. This procedure is accomplished through the use of the previously mentioned means for radial and pivotal adjustment together with a telescoping focusing and alignment rod 186 (shown in FIG. 7). Bolts 144 and 164 are first loosened. The V-shaped base on rod 186 is then positioned on tubular section 180 and its upper extremity inserted into the lens aperture 188 of the infrared micrometer 120. The possibility of damage to the infrared micrometer lens which might be caused by contact with the upper extremity of adjusting rod 186 is prevented by shoulder 190 which engaged the end extremity of the lens collar 191.

Spring plunger 192 is located transversely to the longitudinal axis of alignment rod 186 and acts to hold the alignment rod in proper position within the lens aperture 188 during the adjustment and focusing procedure.

Since the telescoping alignment rod has been set to a length equal to the focal length of the infrared micrometers, the gauge is automatically focused when the rod is positioned as shown in FIG. 7. In addition, since the longitudinal axis of the infrared micrometer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the adjusting rod 186, the gauge is also properly aimed at the pass line. Bolts 144 and 164 are then tightened and the adjustment of the infrared micrometer is completed. Wing nut 191 is then loosened and telescoping rod shortened for removal from the lens aperture.

Before the infrared micrometer elements are put in an operational status, in addition to being properly positioned, they must be adjusted with respect to the temperature of the rod being rolled. This is accomplished by inserting a heating element (not shown) into the lens aperture 188 of each infrared micrometer element. The element is then heated to the estimated temperature of the rod to be rolled. The infrared micrometer is then adjusted to this temperature. When not in use, the heating element is stored in compartment 194 enclosed by door 196.

It is our intention to cover all changes and modifications of the example of the invention herein chosen for purposes of disclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for detecting variations in the characteristics of product moving along a particular path, said apparatus comprising a support fixed in relation to said path, a transducer carrying element mounted on said support, means for moving said carrying element from an operative position adjacent said path to an inoperative position remotely disposed therefrom, a plurality of transducers mounted on said carrying element in positions disposed radially from said path, and means for separately adjusting each said transducers to focus on said path when said carrying element is in said operative position.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by means for excluding foreign contaminants fromsaid carrying element.

3. For use in a rolling mill, in combination, a support mounted in fixed relation to the pass line, an enclosed micrometer carrying element pivotally mounted on said support, means for pivoting said carrying element about said support from a position adjacent said pass line to a position away from said pass line, a plurality of transducer-type micrometers mounted within said carrying element, said `micrometers aimed and focused on the material traveling lalong said pass line when said carrying element is adjacent said pass line, means for adjusting said micrometers, and means for excluding foreign contaminants from said carrying element during operation of said rolling mill.

4. For use in a rolling mill, in combination, a plurality of fixed supports mounted at selected intervals along the pass line, a gauge measuring unit removably mounted on one of said supports, said gauge measuring unit including a pivotally mounted micrometer carrying element, means for pivoting said carrying element about said support from a position adjacent said pass line lto a position away from said pass line, a plurality of infrared micrometers mounted within said carrying element and aimed at and focused on the material traveling along said pass line when said carrying element is adjacent said pass line, means for circumferentially, radially, and pivotally adjusting said infrared micrometers, removably mounted means for aligning said carrying element and focusing and aligning said infrared micrometers with respect to said pass line, and means for cooling said infrared micrometers.

`5. The apparatus `as set forth in claim 4 further characterized by means for quickly disconnecting said gauge measuring unit from said support, said gauge measuring unit being portable and adapted for mounting on any one of the supports located at selected intervals along said pass line.

6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said Vremovably mounted means for aligning said carrying element and focusing and aligning said infrared micrometers with respect to said pass line is comprised of: an alignment bar adapted to be removably tmounted on said carrying element, a tubul-ar member attached to said alignment bar, the longitudinal axis of said tubular member suitably positioned in order to represent the focal point of said infrared micrometer gauges when said alignment bar is mounted on said carrying element, and an alignment and focusing rod, said rod provided with a forked base designed to straddle said tubular member and a cylindrical upper extremity of slightly lesser diameter than that of the lens apertures of said infrared micrometers, said rod further provided with a raised shoulder adjacent said cylindrical upper extremity of greater diameter than that of said lens aperture, the distance between said shoulder and the upper end of said rod being less than the distance between the lens and the outer end of said infrared micrometer lens apertures, the length of said alignment bar lbeing equal to the focal length of said infrared micrometer gauges.

7. In a rolling mill, means for measuring a plurality of cross-sectional dimensions of moving material in a single strand merchant mill, said means comprising a support mounted independently of the roll housings in fixed relation to the pass line, a portable gauge measuring unit removably mounted on said support, said gauge measuring unit adapted for quick disengagement from said support and including an arched protective housing, said housing provided with front and rear arched walls held in spaced relationship by a curved inner wall partially surrounding said pass line and a curved outer wall, said curved inner wall provided with a plurality of apertures, a plurality of infrared micrometer gauges mounted within said arched protective housing in a manner permitting the circumferential, radial, and pivotal adjustment thereof, said arched front wall provided with access doors adjacent each said infrared micrometer gauges, and means for directing a ow of filtered cooling air to each said infrared micrometer gauges in order to maintain the temperature of said infrared micrometer gauges within a safe operating range while keeping the lens of said gauges free of foreign particles.

'8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further characterized by means for circumferentially, radially, and pivotally adjusting said infrared micrometer gauges, said means comprising two spaced arcuate tracks attached to the inner surface of said rear arched wall, a plurality of back plates mounted on said tracks in a manner permitrting the circumferential displacement thereof about said pass line, means for securing said back plates to said rear arched wall, a plurality of micrometer ygauge casings mounted on said back plates, said casings adapted to contain `said infrared micrometer gauges, said casings capablek of being pivotally and radially adjusted with respect to said back plates.

9. rThe apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means for directing a flow of filtered cooling air to each said infrared micrometers is comprised of a partially enclosed compartment contained within said arched protective housing, said compartment provided with an intake aperture over which is mounted an air filter, a suction fan mounted within said compartment, said compartment provided with a series of outlet apertures, and flexible hoses connected at one end to said outlet apertures, the other end of said hoses operatively connected to said infrared micrometer gauges.

l0. Apparatus for continuously measuring selected cross sectional dimensions of a product moving along a particular path, said apparatus comprising a support fixed in relation to said path, a pivotal element mounted on said support, means for moving said pivotal element from an operative position adjacent said path vto a remote inoperative position, and a plurality of transducers mounted on said pivotal element at points disposed radially from said path, said transducers capable of producing an electrical signal in response to radiation emitted by said product, the characteristics of said signal varying in accordance with the density of said radiation.

1l. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said pivotal element is provided with an arcuate track which extends around said path when said element is in an operative position, said transducers being mounted for adjustable movement along said track.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS CHARLES YV. LANHAM, Primary Examiner. 

7. IN A ROLLING MILL, MEANS FOR MEASURING A PLURALITY OFF CROSS-SECTIONAL DIMENSIONS OF MOVING MATERIAL IN A SINGLE STRAND MERCHANT MILL, SAID MEANS COMPRISING A SUPPORT MOUNTED INDEPENDENTLY OF THE ROLL HOUSINGS IN FIXED RELATION TO THE PASS LINE, A PORTABLE GAUGE MEASURING UNIT REMOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT, SAID GAUGE MEASURING UNIT ADAPTED FOR QUICK DISENGAGEMENT FROM SAID SUPPORT AND INCLUDING AN ARCHED PROTECTIVE HOUSING, SAID HOUSING PROVIDED WITH FRONT AND REAR ARCHED WALLS HELD IN SPACED RELATIONSHIP BY A CURVED INNER WALL PARTIALLY SURROUNDING SAID PASS LINE AND A CURVED OUTER WALL, SAID CURVED INNER WALL PROVIDED WITH A PLURALITY OF APERTURES, A PLURALITY OF INFRARED MICROMETER GAUGES MOUNTED WITHIN SAID ARCHED PROTECTIVE HOUSING IN A MANNER PERMITTING THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL, RADIAL, AND PIVOTAL ADJUSTMENT THEREOF, SAID ARCHED FRONT WALL PROVIDED WITH ACCESS DOORS ADJACENT EACH SAID INFRARED MICROMETER GAUGES, AND MEANS FOR DIRECTING A FLOW OF FILTERED COOLING AIR TO EACH SAID INFRARED MICROMETER GAUGES IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE TEMPERATURE OF SAID INFRARED MICROMETER GAUGES WITHIN A SAFE OPERATING RANGE WHILE KEEPING THE LENS OF SAID GAUGES FREE OF FOREIGN PARTICLES. 